Peyron and McArthur head field

Frenchman Loïck Peyron and British Ellen MacArthur dominated yesterday’s Rhodia warm-up. A compulsory and awarded training but not points scoring event for the Clairefontaine Trophy race which starts tomorrow.

The eight sailing champions participating sailed eight races in the harbour of La Trinité-sur-Mer, off the northwest coast of France. Experience paid for the defending champion, Loïck Peyron, who snatched three victories. But Britain’s Ellen MacArthur also won three. The light air conditions suit the young talented sailor and her crew, Philippe Péché and Nicolas Bérenger.

For his comeback, Switzerland’s Laurent Bourgnon, who is sailing with the Ravussin brothers, won two races. But took a penalty in the fourth and eventually finished in fifth place.

Vendée Globe winner, Brittany’s Michel Desjoyeaux, who one this event in 2001, sailed consistently and therefore claimed third place overall. Just ahead of his mate Roland Jourdain who also showed a good potential at the helm of a Saling One (one-design 25-foot catamaran).

Match-racing master Bertrand Pacé started well with a third place in the first race but then sailed in the middle of the pack.

Around Alone winner Bernard Stamm suffered from his lack of multihull experience. But the Swiss is on a learning curve and will, with no doubt, improve in the next few days.

For his first participation in this event and due to his lack of experience at the helm of small boats, Ernesto Bertarelli did not expect to score great results. Team Alinghi are here to learn and should be more comfortable in heavier breeze.

Today the fleet will race towards Houat Isle and then compete in one race this afternoon.

Follow Yachting World

Please keep me up to date with special offers and news from Yachting World and other brands operated by TI Media Limited via email. You can unsubscribe at any time.

We'd also like to send you special offers and news just by email from other carefully selected companies we think you might like. Your personal details will not be shared with those companies - we send the emails and you can unsubscribe at any time. Please tick here if you are happy to receive these messages.